Gobie H2O

Gobie H2O isn't the first water bottle to appear on Shark Tank, but it's the first filtered water bottle the Sharks will have the opportunity to sink their teeth into. Entrepreneur, designer, and inventor Rusty Allen pitches Gobie H2O to the panel of investors in episode 426. Gobie H2O is former industrial designer Allen's answer to the over 50 MILLION plastic water bottles discarded every day in the USA. He figured putting a quality filtered water bottle into consumers' hands could help bring down the volume of plastic trash generated by water bottles. Using his skills as a designer, he created a re-usable water bottle from the highest grade, BPA-free plastic. The patented Gobie H2O has a flexible diaphragm so you can squeeze water through the filter, it has an extra-large cap for easy filling and cleaning, and the mouth piece is ergonomically shaped to fit the human mouth. The Gobie H2O sells for $29.95 and replacement filters – which filter 100 gallons of water – cost $10. Using a Gobie H2O in place of bottled water can save hundreds of dollars.

Gobie H2O Shark Tank Recap

When Rusty Allen comes into the Shark Tank in episode 420, he's looking for a $300,000 investment, in return for 10% equity in his company, Gobie H2O. He gives a brief demonstration of his design, which includes an option for an upgraded filter which filters out 99.99% of contaminants, using potting soil to show that the filter is capable of clearing even the most dirty water and making it suitable for drinking.

Kevin O'Leary asks whether Allen is aiming to break into the casual-user market in the US, or if he's going for the niche of providing clean water in areas where none is available. Robert Herjavec agrees that the cost of offering a filter in America, where clean water is readily available nearly everywhere, is prohibitive.

Lori Greiner points out that she's seen “multiple products” with a filter system identical to the Gobie H2O bottle. The only difference she notes in Allen's product is the squeezable soft side.

Allen explains that the flexible side on the bottle allows more pressure to build up inside the bottle, and claims that the design improves the filtration ability. Daymond John calls the water bottle “really sexy” and wants to know about costs. The Gobie H2O bottles sell for $30, and cost $10 to make. Total sales have been $285,000 over 17 months.

Daymond John wants to know what he wants the money for. Allen explains he needs the money for production. John makes an offer: $300,000 for 40% of the company, on the contingency that they get into a big box store.

Allen asks to make a call to his business advisor. After a consultation, Allen asks if John would be willing to bring in Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner into the deal. John refuses, sticking to his offer.

Allen accepts, and hooks himself a Shark deal with Daymond John.

Gobie H2O Shark Tank Update

Gobie H2O is still selling strong, and is still blue. Daymond John tweeted soon after the show: “FYI Rusty frm Gobie H20 has been great 2work with & a team player. I found a winner!”

It appears their partnership has been mutually agreeable. Gobie H2O water bottles are available from the website, and other online retailers like Amazon.com. When Allen went swimming in the Shark Tank, he hoped to hook up with several Sharks. While his fishing expedition landed only one in his deal, it seems that Daymond John made a good investment in Gobie H2O.

Does this company still exist? Their webpage has shown “Sold Out” for replacement filters for the last couple of months. Writing to customer service ends up with an automatic reply stating someone will get back to you within 24 hours. It has been two months and no reply.